lindarrighi's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
alucyliu's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up. A well written, ‘what would’ve been’. At times I wasn’t sure what was truth and fiction. Particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Donald Trump.
kittykornerlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
My college-age daughter saw me with this and asked, "Is that Hillary Clinton fan fiction?" and I guess it is! Sittenfeld, who is one of my favorites, writes a life of Hillary Rodham if she had not married Bill Clinton. It's an interesting speculation, certainly, and while I wish she had drawn some different conclusions (what? a novel about Hillary inspiring controversy? surely not!) it was a fascinating and in some ways therapeutic story. I always enjoy Sittenfeld's smart writing and dialogue and this did not disappoint. She doesn't shy away from awkward scenes and she shows a real empathy for smart women who struggle for acceptance in a world that refuses to celebrate their gifts. I found that I could relate to many of the struggles in this story. Congratulations to Sittenfeld for making the story of a unique woman feel so universal. I could not put this one down.
laylaloveslimes's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
literatehedgehog's review against another edition
4.0
Unexpected enjoyment! People who want to go into politics are so far outside my personal sphere and personality, it is fascinating to read about the passion, motivation, and ambition they have.
The first sections about Hillary's experiences in law and friendships were more interesting than the latter time as a senator...or the frequent time jumps in the latter section were hard to keep track of. Every other page jumped, with the 2015 timeline by hours and minutes, with an unnecessary anticipation. I have read many a Sittenfeld book, I have come to accept that she is not for brevity. The love she has (and then I have) for her characters comes through the detail and attention she gives them.
An intriguing thought experiment, a careful, loving portrayal (only HRC can speak to its accuracy), a well written tale.
The first sections about Hillary's experiences in law and friendships were more interesting than the latter time as a senator...or the frequent time jumps in the latter section were hard to keep track of. Every other page jumped, with the 2015 timeline by hours and minutes, with an unnecessary anticipation. I have read many a Sittenfeld book, I have come to accept that she is not for brevity. The love she has (and then I have) for her characters comes through the detail and attention she gives them.
An intriguing thought experiment, a careful, loving portrayal (only HRC can speak to its accuracy), a well written tale.
gathonik's review against another edition
3.0
I read this because years ago I read Prep and never forgot about it. Wouldn't say I know or am particularly interested in Hillary Clinton
peckreadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
emelynreads's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Pleasantly surprised after reading this book. Not gonna lie, the first 100 pages were almost too cringe to get through because of Bill but that's probably the point. I wanted to read this book after watching American Crime Story's season about Bill and Monica. The last half of the book really nailed the premise, Hilary's alternate life was so believable and the author's character building/dialogue felt authentic. Probs one of my favorite alternate reality novels.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Sexism
Minor: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Suicide